Theological Proposition/Focus:
Homiletical Proposition/Application: The call of a Christian is a call to devotion. Yes, there are commitments in life, but all commitments should be measured and evaluated through the lens of devotion to Christ.
Introduction:
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Setting the Stage:
At this point in our study of First Corinthians we have learned a lot about our calling.
Paul wrote about marriage, divorce, celibacy, widowhood, slavery, in all cases Paul reminded his readers that our identity must be in Christ.
Today we are going to see how Paul writes to those who are unmarried and have never been married.
Now some of you are in this category, but many of us are not.
Still, the text is applicable because what we learn our undivided devotion to the Lord should influence our every decision.
Body
Devotion to Christ requires that major life decisions be considered through the lens of your Christian identity (25-28).
The inspiration of Scripture demands that we adopt not just the spoken words of Christ but the entire Bible as our authority (25).
Don't fall for the Red Letter Bible Fallacy
Serious life commitments should only be made after considering theological principles and circumstances (26).
An informed decision is very different than a hasty decision (27-28).
Ultimately, our decisions should be weighed on the scales of eternity (29-31).
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MTR: Ask yourself: What major decisions will I still make in life? What does it look like to view these decisions through the lens of my Christian identity?
College
Job
Spouse
Children
House
Retirement
Devotion to Christ is the goal, married or single (32-35).
Singleness must be seen as an opportunity to uniquely serve the Lord (32,34a).
Marriage brings particular obligations and priorities (33, 34b).
Our highest aim should be devotion to Christ (35).
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MTR: Ask yourself, how is God calling me to show devotion to Christ?
Devotion to Christ is to be our primary teaching to our children (36-40).
You can be devoted to Christ as a married person (36).
You can be devoted to Christ as a single person (37).
Devotion to Christ, not culture, should dictate our actions (38-40).
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MTR: How are you teaching those you influence that devotion to Christ takes first place?
Conclusion:
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